Samsung is claiming that new breakthroughs could commercialize 5G by 2020
Even with some carriers still unable to offer 4G or LTE speeds, Samsung is claiming that they are working on a 5G platform and things are coming along quite nicely giving them hopes that they could see 5G in action by 2020. Prototypes of devices that would be able to receive 5G service include 64 antenna elements which are capable of providing downloads at 1Gbps.
This 5G system would allow for data transmission hundreds of times faster than the current speeds found with most networks. Since 1Gbps is significantly faster, downloading UHD movies and providing remote medical services would be “practically without limitation” according to Samsung.
While most countries do have some sort of 4G services, China and the UK have yet to implement a full-fledged 4G network suggesting that even though 5G could be out by 2020, it could take years for it to reach multiple countries. However, Samsung is claiming that rolling out the 5G service would be easier than it has been in the past due to the development of a new millimeter wave band that works at a frequency of 28 GHz and works up to 2 kilometers, which is better than any previous wave band.
The implementation of a high-speed 5G cellular network requires a broad band of frequencies, much like an increased water flow requires a wider pipe…While it was a recognized option, it has been long believed that the millimeter-wave bands had limitations in transmitting data over long distances due to its unfavorable propagation characteristics.
Even though an entire commercial 5G network won’t be available until after 2020, Samsung does think that they will be able to commercialize 5G itself before then. Samsung is claiming an innovation with this breakthrough and while it does give them leverage in the mobile technology market, they are hoping that this will also lead to further research in 5G through other companies:
Samsung’s latest innovation is expected to invigorate research into 5G cellular communications across the world…The company believes it will trigger the creation of international alliances and the timely commercialization of related mobile broadband services.